Why This Hack Works

Natural Deodorizer: Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with a powerful, warm scent that effectively masks bathroom odors without the need for synthetic aerosol sprays.

Pest Repellent: The strong scent of cloves is highly offensive to many common household pests. It acts as a natural deterrent for:

Mosquitoes

Flies

Silverfish (which are often attracted to the paper and moisture in bathrooms)

Cockroaches

Antibacterial Properties: Cloves have natural antimicrobial qualities, helping to keep the immediate area around the roll slightly more hygienic.

The Recipe: Clove & Paper Air Freshener
This is a “set it and forget it” method that lasts as long as the roll of toilet paper.

Ingredients:

1 roll of toilet paper

5โ€“10 whole cloves (or 3-5 drops of clove essential oil)

Optional: A few drops of lemon or orange essential oil for a “spiced citrus” scent.

Instructions:

Expose the Core: Hold the toilet paper roll so you can see the hollow cardboard center.

Add the Cloves: Carefully drop the whole cloves into the space between the cardboard tube and the paper itself, or simply place them inside the cardboard tube if the roll is stored vertically.

The “Spin” Activation: Place the roll on the holder as usual.

How it works: Every time someone pulls the paper, the friction and movement “agitate” the cloves, causing them to release their aromatic oils and keep the bathroom smelling fresh 24/7.

A Variation for Deeper Cleaning
If you want to use cloves to actually clean the toilet itself, many people create a “Clove Spray” by boiling a handful of cloves in a cup of water, cooling it, and mixing it with a splash of white vinegar. Spraying this inside the bowl helps eliminate bacteria and limescale naturally.